Criminal gangs targeting Potters Bar

A meeting was held by Potters Bar MP Oliver Dowden to reassure “constantly petrified” residents that police are working “tirelessly” to catch those responsible for the town’s growing number of burglaries.

Oliver Dowden at the meeting in Potters Bar with Bunty and Panna Shah, and councillor Sachdev. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Dowden met with around 20 residents on January 4, to discuss concerns over crime.

It followed a public meeting on the issue in December with Hertsmere chief inspector Steve O’Keeffe.

Chief inspector O’Keeffe said: “We have reason to believe that it is a group of organised criminals targeting Potters Bar.

“We are working tirelessly to carry out investigations and have made some arrests.

“We have created a great relationship with Potters Bar residents and it’s lovely to see the community get together.

“It’s important that neighbours work together to protect one another from this crime.

“Such as by putting their bin back so their home looks lived in.”

Bunty, who attended with his wife Panna to represent Potters Bar Indians, said: “We are in agreement that to help the police all residents should report any suspicious activity to the police via 101 before they share on social media.”

At the meeting one resident said: “We as a family feel unsafe in our homes and feel frightened to leave them unattended.”

Resident Nitin Bhojwani said: “I believe the recent rise in burglaries in Potters Bar is because of favourable conditions to break in.